Gone too soon - Tribute to Tongai Moyo

1968 -2011

Zimbabwe has lost one of its finest musicians Tongai Moyo. Dhewa as he was affectionately known by his legion of fans was a sungura maestro who rose from humble beginnings in Kwekwe to the grandest stage of fame in the country. Tongai Moyo endeared himself to fans through his popular sungura sound. He began his career in 1988, Moyo played in numerous bands. 

                                     Gone too Soon - Muchina Muhombe

He gained his musical education in his hometown, eventually joining Shirichena Jazz Band as a session musician, helping to release two albums (1991's Ndoita Zvangu Ndoga, 1992's Wandibhowa) and a single. Moyo continued his band hopping, playing in other Kwekwe acts such as Shirinhema, before heading out on his own.

Tongai compiled his own band, Utakataka Express, and in 1996 released his first solo album, Vimbo, which eventually sold over 100 000 copies. Since then Moyo continued with his fine form which culminated in a 2002 Hits release celebrating his 6 album career with Gramma Records.
At one time Tongai's original band dismantled after an accident where their musical instruments were lost. Despite this temporary set back, Tongai assembled a new version Utakataka Express. Tongai released 13 albums in his short but fruitful musical career.Some of his songs that made headlines are Maths, Ndinde Mukorokodza, Chingwa, Nemumvura mese, Mhondoro Dzenyika, Rugare, Gomo Rinorema, Ndazvimba Mapapu, Naye, Chiriyo, Hurungudo, Chechete, etc.

Zorora murugare Samanyemba, Murozvi Mukuru, Muchina Muhombe, Dhewa, indeed you were an icon your name is already written in the sands of time. Indeed Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, your absence from the Sungura scene is irreplaceable. 

To the Moyo family who have lost a son we say, the angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God. Dhewa if tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, we'd walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again. Go well Samanyemba, Muchina Muhombe, we shall meet again in the next life. 

To Dhewa's family we find solace in the word of God which says: 'Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. ~ John 14:1-4